Skopje, 21 February 2025 (MIA) - "Inequalities: Design for a Better Life" is the theme of the ninth Italian Design Day, which took place Friday in the Faculty of Computer Science and Engineering, organized by the Skopje-based Italian Embassy and the Italian Trade Agency.

Minister of Digital Transformation Stefan Andonovski said the event is an excellent opportunity for experience exchange with Italian friends on making life more beautiful through examples of overcoming inequalities, urban innovation, technology and sustainability.

"Technology, when used within an integrated and complete societal transformation, is the foundation for a future that is just, inclusive and focused on the citizens' needs. Digitization is a tool that makes life of every citizen easier. Swift, accessible and simple services that we offer through digitization aim to reduce the burden of everyday life. Instead of losing time in lines and facing barriers in accessing basic services, technology gives us the opportunity to use our time for more important and productive activities" said Minister Andonovski.

According to him, technology, when used in an ecosystem that includes design, innovation and comprehensive societal development, represents a proper use of digital technologies.

"My vision is to build a society in which technology not only improves daily efficiency but also makes the life of every citizen easier, better and more accessible," noted Andonovski.

He added that technology has the power to shatter barriers created by inequalities, "but only if we design it to work for all, without exceptions".

Italian Ambassador Paolo Palmintieri said this year's theme is a call for thought on the role of urban design in the management of the big challenges of the current times, social inclusion, sustainability and technological innovations aimed at creating smarter and more efficient cities.

"Italy a pioneer in integrating traditional aesthetics with contemporary environmental awareness, turning many Italian cities into model-cities. Sustainable development in Italian cities is guided by several key principles, which aim to balance the urban growth while preserving the environment and social equality," said Ambassador Palmintieri.

The event presented the successful examples of urban regeneration and development of the city of Turin, which has become a modem of urban transformation over the past 25 years. Old industrial zones and buildings have been repurposed through a strategy for traffic management and promotion of a knowledge-based economy, with the city positioned as an attractive business destination and a tourism brand that has an entirely new identity based on inclusivity, culture, gastronomy and modern art.

Italian Design Day is a project of the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, intended to underscore the importance of high quality design in curbing and mitigating inequalities, lowering their impact on daily life.

Photo: MIA